Col. Kenny Crawford, deputy commander and chief of staff of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command, makes his debut as Fort Hood's celebrity Mother Ginger for Ballet Austin's annual "The Nutcracker" at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Long Performing Arts Center in Austin. Crawford joins a long list of previous celebrity Mother Gingers who wear heavy makeup, a wild hat and a robust fake décolletage while standing atop a platform that looks like a skirt. While Mother Ginger gestures outrageously, the "Bon Bons," or small children, pour out from under the skirted platform, dance and then disappear back under the "skirt."

The entire performance takes less than three minutes, but it is the comedic highlight of the ballet. This will be the 49th performance of Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker."

Beginning in 2004, Fort Hood celebrities joined well-known Texans such as Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, humorist Kinky Friedman, Dell Computers CEO Michael Dell, seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and former Gov. Ann Richards as those who have performed as Mother Ginger. Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Pete Chiarelli's wife, Beth, was the first, delighting more than 2,000 ballet lovers while her husband, then the 1st Cavalry Division commander, was deployed with the division to Iraq.

Numerous other OTC staff members also have played Mother Ginger. All performances have been sold out.

"I'm truly looking forward to this experience of a lifetime," said Crawford. "First, it's an honor to represent all the soldiers, (Department of the Army) civilians, contractors and their families at this holiday event.

"Second, and just as importantly, it's my distinct pleasure to be part of Ballet Austin's annual tradition and thank them for their support of America's soldiers," he said. "What a great opportunity to be in front of more than 2,000 people, many of whom have never had direct contact with the military and get to enjoy the fun right along with them."

Tickets are available online at www.balletaustin.org or by calling (512) 476-2163.